Our fifth day in Korea started off with a two-hour bus ride to the Hyundai factory. We went to the Asan plant, which is one of three located in Korea. This particular plant produces cars like the Sonata and the Ioniq 9. While we weren’t allowed to take photos inside the factory, it was something that I will never forget. It was fascinating to see the production process up close and observe how everything operated with such precision and coordination. One of the most impressive things we learned during our visit was that around 80% of the car manufacturing process in the early stages is fully automated. Watching the machines cut out the metal and weld the pieces together to form the doors and the body of the car was mesmerizing. With such efficiency, the plant is capable of producing 700 cars an hour, or one car every 53 seconds. It gave us a unique and eye-opening look at how advanced technology is not just supporting but fully driving an entire production process.

After the tour, we headed back to Seoul. We went from the bustling, industrial environment of the factory to the peaceful and serene Han River. It was nice to see the city skyline along the water, and the contrast between the two experiences made the day even more memorable. I even got to feed some fish to the seagulls that would follow the boat, swooping in mid-air to catch the food. The ride offered beautiful views of Seoul, from its iconic bridges to its towering buildings and the greenery that surrounds the riverbanks. It was the perfect way to wind down and reflect on everything we had seen and learned earlier in the day. I’m excited to continue exploring the blend of modern innovation and rich culture that makes Korea so unique.